Posterity owes much to the legacy of faith bequeathed by Adi Sankara. He came at a time when other systems of religions and faiths prevailed in preference to the Vedas and is responsible for establishing Vaidika Dharma in Indian thought and philosophy, pointed out Sri Goda Venkateswara Sastrigal in a discourse.
Born in Kaladi, a remote place in South India, he showed spiritual leanings from early childhood. He took the vow of sanyasa at the age of eight and proceeded to the banks of the Narmada in search of a preceptor. Though believed to be an incarnation of Siva, he thus emphasises the importance of imbibing spiritual thought through a Guru. He got instruction from his Guru Govindapada.
The crux of Adi Sankara’s extensive commentaries on the basic philosophical texts such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, etc, is that one who has taken human birth has to ponder on the truth of one’s existence constantly. This atma vichara will enable one to look inwards for the light of knowledge deep within. The Upanishads discuss the knowledge about Brahman and the Self, sometimes as revelations of the rishis of yore steeped in meditation. These have come down as various vidyas — Sandilya Vidya, Upakosala Vidya, Panchagni Vidya, Madhu Vidya, etc. The essence of these can be summed thus: “This universe has come forth from Brahman. In Brahman it lives and has its being. Assuredly all is Brahman. Let a man, freed from the taint of passion, worship Brahman alone who also resides in the lotus of one’s heart.” This Brahma Jnana is not easily attainable. Steadfast determination is necessary. The ultimate benefit of Brahma Jnana is the attainment of Moksha, the highest Purushartha.
